The lawsuits were filed on behalf of two children and one adult woman who suffered from hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious complication that causes kidney failure, due to E. coli, according to a recent press release. Marler Clark also amended five other cases to include Taylor Farms’ romaine lettuce, which sickened over 50 individuals after it was found in salads catered at a high school in St. Louis, Missouri.
In the 2024 outbreak, which occurred in November and December, a total of 89 individuals became ill across 15 states. Seven individuals developed HUS and one person died.
In a statement sent to Food Safety News, Taylor Farms defended itself and its products:
“Taylor Farms product was not the source of the referenced 2024 E. coli outbreak. We perform extensive raw and finished product testing on all our product and there was no evidence of contamination. Any reporting that connects Taylor Farms products to these heartbreaking illnesses is dangerous, irresponsible and unfair to the impacted families.”
The company distributes their produce through third parties such as Golden State Foods to several California school districts and chain restaurants, such as McDonald’s and Chipotle Mexican Grill.[4]